Influence of various types of Al2O3/MnxOy catalysts on performance of a 100mm chamber for decomposition of 98%+ hydrogen peroxide

The paper presents results of research on the catalytic decomposition of 98% hydrogen peroxide, using special structures called composite catalyst beds. Such configuration of a catalyst bed can be applied in future green monopropellant thrusters for attitude control systems as well as self-ignitable and restart-able bipropellant engines. A number of catalyst samples, based on aluminum oxides as support and manganese oxides as the active phase, were prepared for testing of catalyst decomposition of 98%+ High Test Peroxide. The aim of the current stage of the test campaign is to select the most promising candidates for further research on 50mm long chamber. The selection is made on the basis of hot test results in which dynamics of decomposition is evaluated. The other criterion is the structural integrity of the catalyst, assessed after the hot test. Support that is susceptible to cracking cannot be qualified as applicable for the next stage of the investigation. The current research has shown that the crucial factor for performance of a catalyst is its specific surface area. The fastest pressure and temperature buildup has been reached for microporous γ-Al2O3 pellet.